New plans have been revealed to install security cameras in every taxi across the country to help protect vulnerable passengers.

The Department for Transport (DfT) proposals would also mean all cabbies would be expected to pass enhanced criminal record checks.

It also hopes to clampdown on the number of drivers getting their taxi licence in one local authority, but operating in another hundreds of miles away - a process known as 'cross-bordering'.

Taxis minister Nusrat Ghani said: "While the vast majority of drivers are safe and act responsibly, we have seen too many cases where taxi and minicab drivers have used their job to prey on vulnerable people, women and children.

"These rules would make sure that drivers are fit to carry passengers, keeping people safe while stopping those with bad intentions from getting behind the wheel of a taxi or minicab."

She said: "Our drivers in Stoke-on-Trent already have enhanced background checks and we are one of the best for being strict. In the next year we have to review our policies for licensing and while, at the moment, CCTV is optional, it is something we encourage.

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"All sorts can happen to the drivers and it would not just protect the customers but them as well. It is encouraged at the moment and should be in the vehicle, in the right place.

"The cross-bordering is more of a problem across Stoke-on-Trent because we find people holding licences from all across the country. We then don't know if these people go through the same checks as they would here."

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Andy Day, from the North Staffordshire Pensioners Convention, says passengers will welcome the additional protection but could fear how their data would be used.

He said: "I wouldn't say the cameras are a bad thing but I imagine some people would object on the grounds of privacy but the greater good is to protect people from any kind of abuse and I suppose it would and I suppose it would be better."

Stoke-on-Trent North MP Ruth Smeeth has concerns about the impact the changes could have on local taxi drivers.

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She said: "This is currently out for consultation and I do understand what the Government is trying to achieve but I have reservations about the impact this would have on the viability of our local taxi service.

"I would urge everyone who is impacted to take part in the consultation and to speak to their MP if they have any concerns."